Share this @internewscast.com

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and four other Democratic senators traveled Friday to Ukraine, where they planned to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid a standoff in Washington over billions of dollars in military aid for the war-torn nation.

The visit comes on the eve of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

For months, Zelenskyy has warned the U.S. and other allies that his military is running out of weapons. Without an emergency infusion of aid, he said, Russia will try to get the upper hand.

Last week, Ukraine withdrew from the city of Avdiivka, a key battleground on the war front.

But U.S. aid for Ukraine has been stalled in Congress since late last year. On Feb. 13, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan; the lopsided vote was 70-29. But House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has refused to put the Senate package on the House floor, saying Congress needs to protect the southern border and enact tough, new border policies before supplying Ukraine with more aid.

Earlier this month, a group of bipartisan Senate negotiators struck a deal on stricter asylum and border policies — an agreement that was endorsed by Senate leaders in both parties. But Republicans quickly abandoned the deal after former President Donald Trump and his congressional allies blasted it for not going far enough.

In a statement Friday, Schumer laid out four objectives of the visit: to show the Ukrainian people that America supports them and will fight to get the aid; to demonstrate the U.S. is not deserting NATO and its European allies; to learn about the weapons Ukraine needs and what advantages Russia would gain if the arms are not delivered; and to recognize “there will be severe political, diplomatic, economic and military consequences that will significantly hurt the American people” if the U.S. abandons its allies.

“When we return to Washington, we will make clear to Speaker Johnson — and others in Congress who are obstructing military and economic support — exactly what is at stake here in Ukraine and for the rest of Europe and the free world,” Schumer said in the statement.

“We will keep working to ensure Congress steps up, does the right thing, and delivers help for our friends and allies.”

The four Democrats joining Schumer’s congressional delegation, known as a CODEL, are: Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed of Rhode Island; Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, a member of Reed’s panel; Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, a member of the Intelligence Committee; and Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, chair of the Homeland Security subcommittee on Emerging Threats.

In December, Zelenskyy traveled to Washington, where he appealed directly to Johnson, Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and other congressional leaders for more aid.

“President Zelenskyy’s message was direct: Ukraine will win the war against Russia if more aid is approved. But his message to the contrary was also true: If no more aid is approved, Putin will win,” Schumer, of New York, said after the Dec. 12 meeting. “Ukraine, the West, the United States’ strength as a credible ally are all hanging in the balance right now.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Missing teen surfer found alive on remote island miles from shore: 'Didn't give up hope'

Teen Surfer Rescued Alive on Remote Island After Being Missing: ‘Never Lost Hope’

A surfer who disappeared after heading into the ocean on Wednesday afternoon…
Leeds man facing child sexual abuse material charges

Leeds Resident Charged with Offenses Related to Child Sexual Abuse Material

LEEDS, Ala. (WIAT) — A Leeds man is facing child sexual abuse…
Russia's Lavrov warns US against 'exploiting' alliances as he meets with Kim Jong Un in North Korea

Russia’s Lavrov Cautions US on ‘Abusing’ Alliances During Meeting with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted the “invincible fighting brotherhood” between Russia…
Unhealthy smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the Upper Midwest when people want to be outside

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Covers Upper Midwest, Dampening Outdoor Plans

Much of the Upper Midwest faced extensive areas of poor air quality…
President Trump speaking to the press.

Trump Imposes 30% Tariffs on EU and Mexico; Trade Deal Hopes Diminish

DONALD Trump has announced the EU and Mexico are set to face…
Militant union bosses urge doctors not to tell their hospitals if they are striking – sparking fears for patient safety

Aggressive Union Leaders Instruct Doctors to Withhold Strike Participation from Hospitals, Raising Concerns for Patient Safety

Union leaders from a militant standpoint are advising doctors that they are…
Nigel Farage on LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast show.

Nigel Farage Argues for Britain to Retain the Elgin Marbles

NIGEL Farage has waded into the Elgin Marbles row saying they “absolutely”…
Pam Bondi Pfizer Conflict: Ties to Big Pharma

Pam Bondi and Pfizer: Potential Connections to the Pharmaceutical Industry

Pam Bondi, Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General, has been revealed to…
Portrait of Caroline Dinenage, Britain's culture minister, at the G20 Culture Ministers meeting.

Young people prioritize everyday concerns over trans discussions

YOUNG people are more worried about bread and butter issues than racism…
Trump Drops the Hammer in New Statement on People Who Are Physically Attacking ICE Agents

Trump Issues Strong Response to Attacks on ICE Agents

The violence against ICE agents and other federal immigration law enforcement has…
Mets' Edwin Diaz comes up clutch with 'efficient' six-out save

Mets’ Edwin Diaz Secures Crucial Win with Quick Six-Out Save

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Originally, Carlos Mendoza did not plan to deploy…
Surprise witness in Idaho student murders says she 'saw Bryan there' on deadly night

Bryan Kohberger Thought He Pulled Off ‘The Perfect Murders’—But One Crucial Error Exposed Him, Says Author

Bryan Kohberger, described as a painfully awkward and arrogant introvert and a…